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Exceptional place

A wonderful tented camp in the middle of nothing, ruling by Emilio who is a very competent ranger. Absolutely unforgettable place where all guests are together while eating and in evening campfire. There are no Internet or cellular phone connection, that's why you have a lot of time to watch the nature and socialize with other guests. In the night you hear a lot of bush sounds, including lions and elephants.If you look for exceptional place in Africa - it's the right place, don't miss it.

Stayed: July 2016, travelled with family

Ask Bartosz B about Machampane Wilderness Camp

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

We stopped over for a night here after visiting Kruger. Traveled into the park via the Giriyondo border post between Kruger and Limpopo. Limpopo park is still a work-in-progress and there is very little game even though the fences with Kruger are coming down. Probably because of the high incidence of poaching and the fact that the bush is not as animal friendly as Kruger with it's lush rivers and diverse environment. Machampane is a lovely camp perfectly located on a broad lake-like river section with the safari tents on stilts among the fever trees overlooking the river. The management and staff were very welcoming and friendly. Emile, the manager is a very chilled, laid back chap and makes you feel at home. He is also very knowledgeable on flora and fauna and keen to share his knowledge and stories with us over the camp fire at night in the boma. The safari tents are well appointed but it seems that some maintenance is long overdue because most of our group had no lights or hot water in their tents, and it would have been good if the management had forewarned us about this on arrival rather than letting us discover these limitations for ourselves. This is not acceptable given the rates charged. Emile also mentioned that the upper management hadn't visited for quite a while (perhaps they should). However, despite these glaring maintenance issues the whole experience was most enjoyable and the food very good considering the logistics involved to keep the camp stocked (the management have to travel back through Kruger to Phalaborwa to source provisions!)

Room Tip: All tents are beautifully situated along the river

Stayed: June 2016, travelled with family

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Ask MikeHallauer about Machampane Wilderness Camp

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Very special location and remarkably cheerful people with big smiles.Emile is a fantastic host and guide, doing his job passionately. Teresa and Arlene present dinner and lunch joyfully and proudly. The food is delicious and you get offered a tasteful 3 course dinner in the bush. The tents are wonderful placed at the river with a nice breeze at night and they have all fantastic views. I loved the bush walk. It is always a big pleasure to enjoy nature by food. We should have stayed longer! Next time!

Stayed: April 2016

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Ask KikiCapetown about Machampane Wilderness Camp

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

We (my wife & I) spent 3 nights at the Machampane Wilderness Camp and our experience was really great. Of course if what you're looking for is a "guaranteed big 5 trail with 8 people all day long in a 4x4" it's probably not the best option, but if what you want is a true wilderness experience in an unfenced bush camp (quite luxurious btw, with comfortable tents, hot showers, etc etc...) part of a "new" national park (meaning less "industrialized" than Kruger can be as it seems) then it's the place to be ! :-) Emille, our guide (who's also running the camp) was really dedicated and shared his passion for the bush during the bush walks (2 times/day). He also drove us through the park in direction of the South African border to allow us to get the max of our stay. We were lucky I think as we even had the chance to spot a lion :-) But as previously said, the Machampane Wilderness Camp is not about spotting Big 5 by any means, it's more a complete bush experience, in a still wild/preserved environment... No big road and mass tourism here (even no wifi nor network, yes it's till possible :-) ).Also needed to mention that the ladies who're running the logistics, meals... are doing a great job : smells good, looks good, taste good !!!My conclusion : go for it and take a part in this new adventure... Let me also thank Emille and his team once again for their dedication and their real will to share their passion. I truly hope that the Limpopo Park will be a great success !

Stayed: April 2016, travelled as a couple

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Ask Geof_Brussels about Machampane Wilderness Camp

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

When we arrived at Machampane from Olifants Camp in Kruger the temperatures were very hot. Therefore the evening bush walk for us was cancelled. We had the feeling that the ranger did not want to go with only two guests. Next morning we walked arround a little bit but did not see any animal. We did a three day wilderness walk in Kruger before and so it was a little bit boring for us. Also there haven´t been so many explanations. Two nights have been too long for us at it was very dry and there was nothing to do except the guided walks. But it was a good place to rest on our way to the Mosambican coast. The tents are luxury and the cook is phenomenal. You could pay also in Rand and the currency rate was good.

Border crossing was not issue, we got the insurance when leaving the park but got cheated about the price (30 Rand too much). In the first village after the park, there was a little bank with ATM.

Stayed: October 2015, travelled as a couple

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Ask AquariusReisen about Machampane Wilderness Camp

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

A long drive from Maputo was rewarded with peace, quiet and isolation. The resident staff were amazing and worked exceedingly hard to ensure accommodation and food was first class. However, the 'temporary' guide who was in charge that weekend was too embroiled in discussion with other visitors to acknowledge our arrival, we waited 30 minutes before we were spoken to or offered any refreshment.The guided walks were disappointing..inadequate provision of rifles meant that only four people could walk at a time, we weren't all able to enjoy the full experience.It was advertised that we could go on game-drives, but when we were there the guide said that there was not a suitable vehicle available. We were advised not to go on a self-guided drive.... why??... we had driven to the camp and it would have been no different exploring a little around the area toward Kruger.. no weather problems and 4x4 vehicle...

Apparently the 'contract' for the camp concession will be up for renewal in December/January and we had the feeling that management were not putting as much effort in as they could have done.We thoroughly enjoyed our stay, and had planned our trip especially to look around the Limpopo trans-frontier park. Not as a stop-off on the way through, but left feeling somewhat disappointed.

Stayed: September 2015, travelled with family

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Ask devonvisitor0 about Machampane Wilderness Camp

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC